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I'm extremely bummed about their decision to leave ABQ. However, most if not all of their stores are in Northern California, and Northern Nevada. It makes for a logistical nightmare to deliver all the way to NM. I just wish they could have found another buyer as we have enough Albertson's here already!
I also hope Albertson's does the ethical thing and keep as many stores open while finding jobs for all those who will be affected.
I generally don't like Albertson's at all so I'm totally bummed that my Raley's will turn into an Albertson's.
If I had my way I'd shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's exclusively but they aren't on the West Side or in Rio Rancho even though there are rumors they will be -- that could be another couple of years. I don't like Sunflower or Wild Oats either. Guess I am just really picky. :-)
I went into the Raley's by my house the same day things were announced and do you know that they didn't even tell their own employees!!! The employees heard it over the news just like everyone else. I thought that was an extremely poor management decision.
Having Raley's move out opens up the remaining grocers to antitrust issues; back when they reshuffled Albuquerque's stores (Albertson's became Raley's, and other stores became Albertson's). I would be surprised if another chain didn't snap up the better Raley's stores.
My impression of Albertsons - I'm thinking of the one at Lomas & Juan Tabo - is that near the deli & meat area, it smells rotten/drity. Produce was often old. Maybe that's why I have not been there for ages.
I don't know of any other Grocers that want to come into ABQ though. And hopefully those stores do not become John Brooks!
Bummer is, seems like just Wally World wants to build more stores here. Much of what they sell is junk food, and their produce goes limp the day after you buy it. Once, I stopped by the Eubank store very late to buy a box of barley for soup. Like, you know, real food. Employees there had no clue what I was looking for, and they kept referring me to speciality herb stores around town.
Luckily we still have Smith's, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. The latter two are both expected to make announcements for more metro stores by 2008. If I hear more concrete info, I'll be sure to share here.
The good news for ABQ though, is we were the featured article in April's issue of Shopping Center Business Magazine. This is the premier retail trade publication, and it will certainly put us on the national radar for new and exciting retailers, hopefully that'll include grocers as well!
i live in the student ghetto, so ghetto smiths for me!!!
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